Madurai: The Madras High Court on Wednesday ordered a status quo on renovation work at the Main Falls of Courtallam in the Tenkasi district. The court was hearing a plea concerning damage to rock-cut sculptures, idols, and heritage structures caused by ongoing development activities.
Petition Highlights Damage to Ancient Idols
The public interest litigation was filed by Rama Ravikumar of Madurai district. The petition stated that several ancient rock-cut sculptures and stone idols around the Main Falls are worshipped by devotees. However, development activities over the years have damaged many idols, while others were removed and placed at different locations by workers without supervision from archaeological experts.
The petitioner further argued that some idols were consecrated and are an integral part of religious practices associated with the Kutralanathar Swamy temple. The removal and damaging of deities infringes upon the religious rights of devotees and violates statutory protections governing ancient monuments and antiquities.
Court's Observations and Directions
Hearing the plea, a division bench comprising Justice P. Velmurugan and Justice C. Kumarappan observed that the main grievance of the petitioner is that authorities are damaging rock-cut idols, sculptures, and heritage structures at the Main Falls. The judges directed officials to file a status report and posted the case for further hearing on Thursday, May 7.
The court's interim order aims to prevent any further damage to the heritage site pending a detailed review. The status quo will remain until the next hearing, when the court will examine the status report and decide on further action.
